Migration crisis between values, populism, and xenophobia: A comparative analysis of centre-left opposition in the United Kingdom, Hungary and Türkiye

Migration, a long-standing phenomenon, has become a complex issue which challenges modern political institutions and societies. Despite claims of liberalism's dominance, recent decades have seen the rise of illiberal democracies and alternative development models. While global prosperity is widespread, unresolved political, economic, and social inequalities persist which in turn lead to a crisis in left-wing ideology. This study aims to compare the reactions of center-left parties, which are seen as representatives of leftist ideology within the liberal world order, to the migration crisis in Europe. It focuses on the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Türkiye, where right-wing parties dominate and analyze the discourses of the Labour Party, MSZP, and CHP leaders, respectively. The thesis contends that while leaders of the Labour Party and MSZP adopt pro-immigrant stances consistent with social democratic values, CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in Türkiye employs a xenophobic populist discourse that contradicts the party's social democrat ideology. Key Words: Migration, Immigrant, Xenophobic Populism, Social Democracy, Centre-Left.